DENVER, Col – On the same day Colorado shipper former #1 goaltender Craig Anderson too Ottawa, GM Greg Sherman made one of the biggest deals the franchise has seen since its heyday under Pierre Lacroix.
Whilst Lacroix became famed for his blockbuster deals, including bringing both Rob Blake and Ray Bourque to Denver, the salary cap had seen many such deals disappear, especially during the season. But Sherman found a dance partner in St Louis GM Doug Armstrong as the two franchises produced arguable the biggest trade of the season so far.
Colorado welcome former 1st overall pick Erik Johnson, hard working center Jay McClement and receive a conditional draft pick from the Blues. In return St Louis receive Chris Stewart, Kevin Shattenkirk and a conditional 2nd round pick.
It is without doubt a major move for both teams. McClement is the oldest player involved, and he is only 27, whilst the cap hits involved are roughly similar. But it does represent a major shake up for both clubs as they each look to rekindle their play-off hopes.
Whilst he has had some trouble with injuries, Johnson is expected to become a defensive rock in the NHL, as well as for Team USA, and is arguable the single biggest piece of the whole trade. Strong in his own end with an offensive upside, he could become the Avs new #1 defenceman. McClement mean while has proven to be a reliable depth forward who is strong on the penalty kill and should help to relieve some of the pressure on a slumping Avs forward corps that is now missing top scorer Matt Duchene through injury.
For the Blues, they gain two of the more exciting young players in the league. Stewart scored 28 goals last season and looked to become one of the NHL premier power forwards before a hand injury seemed to derail his progress this season. Meanwhile Shattenkirk was one of the few players to benefit from the Avalanche series of injuries as he grabbed his opportunity with both hands early on before a recent scoring droubt.
Colorado fans will also be pleased to see a 1st round pick coming their way. Should St Louis’s pick drop outside the top 10, the Avs will receive their pick at this summers draft. If the Blues don’t improve and the pick remains in the top 10, Colorado will receive the Blues 1st round pick in 2012 instead. The 2nd round pick Colorado sent to St Louis is directly tied to the 1st round pick, so both teams will swap in the same year.
With two major deals in the space of 24 hours for both clubs, it seems neither GM is happy with the current standings (Colorado are 14th, 4 points behind the 13th placed Blues) and wishes to spur their club in to life in an ultra tight Western Conference.
Contact the author: rob.mcgregor@prohockeynews.com
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